After his time as an astronaut, Jeremy Hansen is preparing for new opportunities as announced by the Canadian Space Agency on Monday.
While Hansen has not revealed specific plans yet, he will continue his role as a reservist with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Looking at the examples set by previous Canadian astronauts, there are various paths to explore after a career in space.
Astronaut Jeremy Hansen traveled around the moon aboard the Artemis II mission only a few months ago, in April. The Canadian Space Agency announced Monday that Hansen is retiring from the agency and pursuing other opportunities.
Let’s explore the post-astronaut careers of some of Canada’s notable astronauts.
Marc Garneau
Marc Garneau, one of Canada’s initial six astronauts and the first to go to space, embarked on three space missions before becoming the president of the Canadian Space Agency.
Marc Garneau waves to photographers as he and his fellow crew members leave for the Kennedy Space Center launch pad in November 2000. (Chris O’Meara/The Associated Press)
Transitioning to politics, Garneau served as a Liberal MP and held positions such as transport minister and foreign affairs minister. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 76.
Roberta Bondar
Roberta Bondar, the first female Canadian astronaut and a neurologist in space, flew on the space shuttle Discovery in 1992 before leaving the agency that year.
